* Bride's parents normally host
* Can have more than one depending on location of the bride's and groom's parents
* Traditionally it was to announce the engagement now it is more of a celebration of the couple
* Gifts or no gifts
* are not expected
* The party is for family and close friends of the couple, not the parent's friends… they all expect to be invited to the wedding.
* Could it also be for family and close friends who might be unable to attend the actual wedding
* cocktail and dinner are popular